omega-3 fatty acids (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai)

Omega-3 fatty acids (O3FA) are being investigated as a monotherapy for major depressive disorder (MDD) in adolescents by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. The intervention consists of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids are hypothesized to work by influencing brain chemistry and neurotransmitter systems, although the exact biological target mechanism for their antidepressant effects remains under investigation. The research, led by Dr. Vilma Gabbay and the Pediatric Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, involved Phase 2, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (NCT00962598, NCT00312897) evaluating a 10-week treatment course in patients aged 12-19. This intervention is characterized as a small molecule nutritional supplement rather than a traditional pharmaceutical drug.

Brand names

Omega 3 CatarinenseOmega3 CatarinenseOmega-3 CatarinenseÔmega 3 Catarinense Pharma

Other names

omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acidsomega3 polyunsaturated fatty acidsomega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acidsn-3 PUFAn3 PUFAn 3 PUFAEPADHAeicosapentaenoic aciddocosahexaenoic acid